Germany has announced a landmark multiannual pledge of €45 million a year between 2027 and 2032 to the Global Partnership for Education’s (GPE) “Multiply Possibility” campaign, reinforcing its global leadership in advancing quality education. The announcement was made in Berlin during an event hosted by Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali Radovan, under the patronage of First Lady Elke Büdenbender. This commitment marks the first multiannual sovereign contribution to GPE’s new campaign, reflecting Germany’s long-standing dedication to ensuring every child has access to learning opportunities.
With more than €370 million already pledged from governments, foundations, and philanthropists, GPE’s Multiply Possibility campaign aims to mobilize $5 billion in funding and attract an additional $10 billion in co-financing to improve education for 750 million children across over 90 partner countries. The initiative also supports countries in strengthening their domestic education budgets, advancing sustainable and nationally led financing models.
The Berlin event brought together global education leaders, including GPE CEO Laura Frigenti, alongside policymakers, private sector representatives, foundations, and civil society organizations. It emphasized the broad support for education as a central pillar of global development. Germany, a founding member of GPE and active participant on its Board of Directors, has already contributed more than €446 million since joining in 2005.
Minister Reem Alabali Radovan highlighted education as a cornerstone of democracy, equality, and sustainable development, stressing that Germany’s renewed commitment underlines its role as a dependable global partner in promoting education. First Lady Elke Büdenbender reaffirmed this, emphasizing that quality education for every child is essential for peace, prosperity, and long-term stability worldwide.
Education is widely recognized as one of the most effective investments for human and economic progress. It accelerates advancements in health, gender equality, climate resilience, and economic growth. Over the past four decades, education has accounted for half of global economic growth and 40% of extreme poverty reduction. GPE CEO Laura Frigenti noted that Germany’s continued partnership is not just a financial contribution but a statement of confidence in education’s transformative power—helping millions of children in regions like the Sahel, Afghanistan, and Ukraine gain access to learning opportunities.
The GPE campaign comes at a pivotal time, as the world’s largest generation of young people prepares to enter the workforce. By 2040, nearly 900 million youth across GPE’s 91 partner countries will seek meaningful employment opportunities. However, 270 million children remain out of school, and almost 90% of 10-year-olds in low-income countries cannot read a simple text. Quality education can reverse these trends, equipping young people with the skills needed for global growth, innovation, and stability.
Education also serves as a catalyst for peace and resilience. Studies show that each additional year of schooling can reduce the likelihood of conflict by up to 20%, particularly when girls and women have equal access to learning. A fully funded GPE could lead to remarkable global gains—adding $840 billion to the world economy, lifting 23 million people out of poverty, saving $7.7 billion in climate-related damages, and enabling 204 million more children, half of them girls, to attend school and learn better.
Germany’s new pledge underscores the transformative power of global cooperation in education. Through the GPE, it strengthens the global commitment to sustainable, nationally driven investments that empower future generations, foster equality, and drive long-term prosperity worldwide.
